LOLER Inspections: Keeping your Passengers Safe

What is LOLER?

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, (LOLER), introduced requirements for the safe provision and use of lifting equipment. LOLER state that all lifting equipment be subject to a ‘thorough examination’ at various points.

This thorough examination is required where equipment is subject to deterioration due to use and where any deterioration could potentially lead to a dangerous situation. The frequency of the examination depends on the type of equipment and the purposes for which it is used. For example, equipment used for lifting people requires more frequent examination, a maximum of every 6 months. It should be noted however that the periods stated are the maximum periods between each examination.

The examination should be undertaken by a ‘competent person’ in that they hold appropriate theoretical and practical knowledge of the lifting equipment being examined. This is to ensure they are able to detect weaknesses or defects and to assess their importance in relation to the overall and continued safety of the equipment.

If you are the owner of a lift used primarily by members of the public, you may also need to comply with more general health and safety legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

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If Otis is your service provider, we are unable to carry out the inspection, There are several organisations who are able to undertake LOLER inspections including the following: -

• Zurich Risk Services
• Allianz Cornhill Engineering
• HSB Haughton Engineering Insurance Services Ltd
• Bureau Veritas UK Ltd
• British Engineering Services

What happens after my LOLER inspection?

If Otis is your service provider, once you have been issued with the report, all you need to do is send it to ukinsrepts@otis.com.

Communicating the LOLER Inspection Report

As quoted in the BS7255:2023, the exchange of reports created by various parties, plus the undertaking of appropriate action related to safety defects is essential to the overall management of lifts.

The lift contractor should share maintenance reports including suggestions on remedial work.

Just as importantly, the owner of the lift should not only keep all reports but also share them with

1. The Lift Contractor
2. The person inspecting the lift as part of a LOLER examination
3. Anyone undertaking supplementary works and examinations following the LOLER inspection.

Even if the lift is clear of defects, it is important to share the report so all parties are clear as to the condition of the lift

Once a report is received by Otis after our customer has sent it to ukinsrepts@otis.com, we will do the following: -

1. Our dedicated team will look at each item on the report and issue a level of criticality
2. If the work is within the scope of your maintenance contract, a work order will be created and sent automatically to your engineer’s personal device to undertake the work.
3. If the work is not within the scope of your maintenance contract, the details will be sent to our Service Delivery Manager.
4. The Service Delivery Manager will create a quote which will be sent to you for consideration/acceptance.
5. Once we receive your acceptance, the work order will be created and sent to the engineer’s personal device to execute the work.